Easy-on underwear garment

ABSTRACT

An underwear garment comprising multiple panels but forming a single garment is described. The panels are formed to allow a person to put on the garment without having to balance, bend, stretch, or otherwise have to maneuver a garment over the feet and up the legs. A primary panel forms a back for the garment and has a first flap and a second flap that are connected via a connection mechanism to form a partial front of the garment. The primary panel is connected to a front panel to form a crotch of the garment. The front panel connects to the primary panel via a connection mechanism, which upon connecting, the front panel forms the front for the garment and a portion of the front panel and a portion of the primary panel overlap.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of Design Patent Application 29/444,838, filed Feb. 4, 2013, entitled “Underwear Garment”, which is a continuation of 29/413,035, filed Feb. 9, 2012, entitled “Panty Garment”, and will issue on Mar. 12, 2013 as Patent No. D677447, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Many individuals are unable to wear traditional underwear and generally find it difficult to balance on one leg or even to sit down and bend at the knee or hip to pull on their underwear. Others may find it difficult to fit a leg through the hole of a traditional underwear garment, for example, because of a cast or other medical impediment. Still others who require assistance to get dressed, and caregivers who assist incapacitated individuals, find it difficult to use traditional underwear that must be maneuvered over the feet, up the legs, and over the hips. Therefore individuals who are temporarily or chronically disabled, or who otherwise find it difficult to put on a traditional underwear garment unassisted, or difficult and embarrassing to be assisted with a traditional underwear garment, will appreciate underwear that is easy to put on without assistance or with minimal assistance, but that doesn't look bulky or like a diaper, maintaining individual independence and dignity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other aspects of various embodiments of the present invention will be apparent through examination of the following detailed description thereof in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures in which similar reference numbers are used to indicate functionally similar elements.

FIG. 1A illustrates an example underwear garment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B illustrates a back view of an example underwear garment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1C illustrates a partially open view of an example underwear garment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1D illustrates a partially closed view of an example underwear garment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1E illustrates an example underwear garment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A illustrates an example underwear garment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B illustrates the back view of an example underwear garment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2C illustrates a partially open view of an example underwear garment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2D illustrates a partially open view of an example underwear garment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A illustrates an example underwear garment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B illustrates the back view of an example underwear garment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3C illustrates a completely open view of an example underwear garment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3D illustrates an example underwear garment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4A illustrates an example underwear garment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4B illustrates the back view of an example underwear garment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4C illustrates the side view of an example underwear garment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4D illustrates a partially open view of an example underwear garment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4E illustrates a partially open view of an example underwear garment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4F illustrates an example underwear garment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5A illustrates an example underwear garment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5B illustrates a completely open view of an example underwear garment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An underwear garment comprising multiple panels but forming a single garment is described. The panels are formed to allow a person to put on the garment without having to balance, bend, stretch, or otherwise have to maneuver a garment over the feet and up the legs. The garment is designed to replace traditional underwear garments that are difficult to put on. The underwear garment is formed from a primary panel that forms a back for the garment. The primary panel also has a first flap and a second flap that are connected via a connection mechanism and form a part of the front of the garment. The primary panel connects to a front panel to form a crotch of the garment. The front panel connects to the primary panel via a connection mechanism, including a plurality of connection elements placed on each of the front panel and the primary panel. Upon connecting the front panel to the primary panel, the front panel forms the front for the garment and a portion of the front panel and a portion of the primary panel overlap.

Embodiments of the underwear garment are designed to resemble any traditional design of an underwear garment, for example, a women's brief, a women's bikini, a men's brief, or a men's boxer. Embodiments of the underwear garment are designed to provide additional protection for incontinence, including by providing space for extra padding, for disposable padding, or for absorbing netting. Embodiments of the underwear garment are designed to provide a compression garment that is easy to put on by using elastic materials. As traditional compression garments must be pulled over the feet, up the legs, and over the hips, the elasticity of the fabric makes pulling on the traditional garment extremely difficult. Therefore, a garment that is easy to put on as described herein while maintaining the compression effect will be appreciated. Such an embodiment can be used by individuals who are unable to maneuver on a traditional compression garment. Embodiments of the underwear garment are designed to be adjustable by providing multiple connection mechanisms spaced to provide for different sizes.

FIG. 1A illustrates an example underwear garment 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1A, the underwear garment 100 forms a women's brief. The underwear garment 100 has a primary panel 105, a front panel 110, and a waistband 115. The front panel 110 connects to the primary panel via a central portion that goes between the legs of the user therefore making the primary panel 105 and the front panel 110 a single garment, even when fully open and all connection mechanisms are disengaged. When closed, the front panel 110 attaches to the primary panel 105 and/or the waistband 115 and overlaps the primary panel 105 and/or the waistband 115 in part.

FIG. 1A illustrates the underwear garment 100 completely closed, however, the style and cut of the underwear garment may vary. For example, the front panel 110 may be shaped to have a higher cut, such that the side edges of the front panel 110 are shorter than the illustrated length. Then the Velcro attaching the front panel 110 to the primary panel 105 will not extend to the leg opening, where it could easily scratch the leg and cause discomfort. The shortened Velcro provides greater comfort to all wearers, but especially for individuals who are bed-ridden or wheelchair-bound. The higher cut may be implemented any embodiment in which a strip of Velcro is used to attach the front panel 110 to the primary panel 105. An example higher cut with a shorter front panel 110 is illustrated by lines 120.

FIG. 1B illustrates a back view of the example underwear garment 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1B, the back portion of the underwear garment is created by the primary panel 105.

FIG. 1C illustrates a partially open view of an example underwear garment 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1C, the primary panel 105 may include a first flap 140 and a second flap 150. The first and second flap 140, 150 may be connected via a connector 130. The connector 130 may consist of Velcro attached to each of the first flap 140 and the second flap 150, one or more snaps, one or more clasps, a swan hook, one or more eyehooks, an S-hook, a buckle, or other connection mechanism for connecting the first and second flaps 140, 150. According to an embodiment, it may be preferable to avoid metal closing elements, for example if all the connectors in the garment are Velcro. Then such a garment may be preferable for individuals who may be bedridden or wheelchair bound due to a temporary or permanent disability as the metal snaps and closures may cause skin break-down. According to an embodiment, the first flap 140 may be attached to a small piece of twill which may be connected to a small strip of soft and flexible Velcro which may in turn be connected to a small strip of Velcro on the underside of the second flap 150.

By connecting the first flap 140 and the second flap 150, the primary panel 105 can be wrapped around the body and closed in the front without requiring the wearer to balance on one leg, bend at the knee or waist, or otherwise maneuver the garment over the feet and up the legs. Then the wearer can reach between the legs to pull the front panel 110 to the front of the body. As shown, the front panel 110 and the primary panel 105 may be connected via a central portion 180 that forms the crotch of the underwear garment. The central portion 180 may include additional padding for comfort, may include a removable insert or netting for additional absorbency, or may otherwise function as a traditional panty garment.

As shown in FIG. 1C, the front panel 110 may include a connection mechanism 170 to attach to the primary panel 105. For example, the underside of the front panel 110 may have a strip of Velcro or other attaching mechanism 170 that connects to the primary panel 105, for example by a similarly placed strip of Velcro 160. The front panel 110 may alternatively be attached to the primary panel 105 via one or more snaps, hooks, or other connecting mechanism. The connection between the connection element on the front panel 110 and the connection element on the primary panel may be hidden by decorative elements or otherwise camouflaged in order to make the underwear garment 100 more closely resemble a traditional underwear garment.

FIG. 1D illustrates a partially closed view of an example underwear garment 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1D illustrates a potential attachment between the primary panel 105 and the front panel 110, for example, via a Velcro strip 170 on the inside of front panel 110 and a corresponding Velcro strip 160 on outside of the primary panel 105. According to an embodiment, it may be preferable to avoid metal clasps and closing mechanisms, for example if all the connectors in the garment are Velcro. FIG. 1E illustrates an example underwear garment 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1E, the side flaps 140, 150 connected by the connector 130 are positioned beneath the front panel 110 and the outline of those flaps layered under the front panel 110 is illustrated.

FIG. 2A illustrates an example underwear garment 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2A, the underwear garment 200 forms a women's brief. The underwear garment 200 has a primary panel 205 and a front panel 210. The front panel 210 connects to the primary panel 205 via a central portion that goes between the legs of the user therefore making the primary panel 205 and the front panel 210 a single garment, even when fully open. When closed, the front panel 210 attaches to the primary panel 205 and the primary panel 205 overlaps the front panel 210 in part.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the primary panel 205 may include a first flap 240 and a second flap 250. The first and second flaps 240, 250 may be connected via a connection mechanism 230. The connection mechanism 230 may consist of Velcro attached to each of the first flap 240 and the second flap 250, one or more snaps, one or more clasps, a swan hook, one or more eyehooks, an S-hook, a buckle, or other mechanism for connecting the first and second flaps 240, 250. As previously noted, by connecting the first flap 240 and the second flap 250, the primary panel 205 can be wrapped around the body and closed in the front.

FIG. 2B illustrates a back view of the example underwear garment 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2B, the back portion of the underwear garment is created by the primary panel 205 and a waistband band 215. FIG. 2C illustrates a partially open view of an example underwear garment 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2D illustrates a partially closed view of an example underwear garment 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2D illustrates a potential attachment between the first and second flaps 240, 250 of the primary panel 205.

The front panel 210 of the underwear garment 200 may attach to the primary panel 205 by tucking the corners of the front panel 210 under the primary panel 205. Then via a connection element on the front of the front panel 210, connecting the front panel to a connection element on the underside or inside of the primary panel 205. For example, the front or outside of the front panel 210 may have a strip of Velcro or other connection mechanism that connects to the back or inside of the primary panel 105, for example by a similarly placed strip of Velcro. The front panel 210 may alternatively be attached to the primary panel 205 via one or more snaps, hooks, or other connecting mechanism. As previously noted, the front panel 210 and the primary panel 205 may be connected via a central portion 280 that forms the crotch of the underwear garment 200.

FIG. 3A illustrates an example underwear garment 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3A, the underwear garment 300 forms a women's bikini. According to an embodiment, the underwear garment 300 may form a low-rise bikini or a high rise bikini. The underwear garment 300 has a front panel 310 and two side flaps 340, 350 that are part of a primary panel. The front panel 310 connects to the primary panel via a central portion that goes between the legs of the user therefore making the primary panel and the front panel 310 a single garment, even when fully disengaged. When closed, the front panel 310 attaches to the primary panel and the primary panel partially overlaps the front panel 310.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the primary panel may include a first flap 340 and a second flap 350 that may be connected via a connector 330. The connector 330 may consist of Velcro attached to each of the first flap 340 and the second flap 350, one or more snaps, one or more clasps, a swan hook, one or more eyehooks, an S-hook, a buckle, or other mechanism for connecting the first and second flaps 340, 350. As previously noted, by connecting the first flap 340 and the second flap 350, the primary panel can be wrapped around the body and closed in the front.

FIG. 3B illustrates a back view of the example underwear garment 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3B, the back portion of the underwear garment 300 is created by the primary panel 305. FIG. 3C is a completely open view that illustrates the example underwear garment 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The front panel 310 of the underwear garment 300 may attach to the primary panel 305 by tucking the corners of the front panel 310 under the primary panel 305 and via a connecting mechanism on the front or outside of the front panel 310, connecting the front panel 310 to the underside of the primary panel 305. For example, the front of the front panel 310 may have a strip of Velcro or other attaching mechanism that connects to the back or the inside of the primary panel 305, for example by a similarly placed strip of Velcro. The front panel 310 may alternatively be attached to the primary panel 305 via one or more snaps, hooks, or other connecting mechanism. As previously noted, the front panel 310 and the primary panel 305 may be connected via a central portion 380 that forms the crotch of the underwear garment 300.

FIG. 3D illustrates an example underwear garment 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3D, the side flaps 340, 350 connected by the connector 330 are positioned above the front panel 310 and the outline of the front panel 310 layered under the side flaps 340, 350 of the primary panel 305 is illustrated.

FIG. 4A illustrates an example underwear garment 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4A, the underwear garment 400 forms a men's brief. The underwear garment 400 has a front panel 410, and a waistband 415. The front panel 410 connects to a primary panel via a central portion that goes between the legs of the wearer, making the primary panel and the front panel 410 a single garment, even when fully open. When closed, the front panel 410 attaches to the primary panel and/or the waistband 415 and partially overlaps the primary panel and/or the waistband 415. The underwear garment 400 is styled to look like the wearer is wearing a traditional undergarment.

FIG. 4B illustrates a back view of the example underwear garment 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4B, the back portion of the underwear garment is created by the primary panel 405 and the waistband 415. FIG. 4C illustrates a side view of the example underwear garment 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4C, the back portion of the underwear garment is created by the primary panel 405 and the front portion of the underwear garment 400 is created by the front panel 410. Additionally, the front panel 410 may be connected to the primary panel 405 at the side connection 420. The front panel 410 may attach to the primary panel 405, for example, the underside of the front panel 410 may have a strip of Velcro or other attaching mechanism that connects to the primary panel 405, for example by a similarly placed strip of Velcro. The front panel 410 may alternatively be attached to the primary panel 405 via one or more snaps, hooks, or other connecting mechanism.

FIG. 4C illustrates the underwear garment 400 completely closed, however, the style and cut of the underwear garment may vary. For example, the front panel 410 may be shaped to have a higher cut, such that the side edges of the front panel 410 are shorter than the illustrated length. Then the Velcro attaching the front panel 410 to the primary panel 405 will not extend to the leg opening, where it could easily scratch the leg and cause discomfort. An example higher cut with a shorter front panel 410 is illustrated by lines 425.

FIGS. 4D and 4E illustrate partially open views of an example underwear garment 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 4D and 4E, the primary panel 405 includes a first flap 440 and a second flap 450. The first and second flaps, 440, 450 may be connected via a connector 430. The connector 430 may consist of Velcro, one or more snaps, one or more clasps, a swan hook, one or more eyehooks, an S-hook, a buckle, or other mechanism for connecting the first and second flaps 440, 450. As previously noted, the front panel 410 may attach to the primary panel 405 via an attaching mechanism. An example attaching mechanism 470 in the form of a piece of Velcro is illustrated in FIG. 4E.

By connecting the first flap 440 and the second flap 450, the primary panel 405 can be wrapped around the body and closed in the front. Then the wearer can reach between the legs to pull the front panel 410 to the front of the body. As shown, the front panel and the primary panel may be connected via a central portion 480 that forms the crotch of the underwear garment.

FIG. 4F illustrates an example underwear garment 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4F, the side flaps 440, 450 connected by the connector 430 are positioned beneath the front panel 405 and the outline of the flaps layered under the front panel 405 is illustrated.

FIG. 5A illustrates an example underwear garment 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5A, the underwear garment 500 forms a men's boxer. The underwear garment 500 has a front panel 510, and a waistband 515. The front panel 510 connects to a primary panel via a central portion that goes between the legs of the wearer, making the primary panel and the front panel 510 a single garment, even when fully open. When closed, the front panel 510 attaches to the primary panel and/or the waistband 515 and partially overlaps the primary panel and/or the waistband 515. The underwear garment 500 is styled to look like the wearer is wearing a traditional undergarment.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the front panel 510 may be connected to the primary panel at the side connections 520. For example, the underside of the front panel 510 may have several small strips of Velcro or other attaching mechanisms that connects to the primary panel, for example by similarly placed strips of Velcro. The front panel 510 may alternatively be attached to the primary panel 505 via one or more snaps, hooks, or other connecting mechanisms. Although multiple connecting mechanisms 520 are shown in FIG. 5A, the fabric of the underwear garment and the placement of the connecting mechanisms conceal the side closures from view, completing the effect of styling the underwear garment to look like a traditional boxer.

FIG. 5B illustrates a fully open view of an example underwear garment 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5B, a primary panel 505 includes a first flap 540 and a second flap 550. The first and second flaps, 540, 550 may be connected via a connector 530. The connector 530 may consist of Velcro, one or more snaps, one or more clasps, a swan hook, one or more eyehooks, an S-hook, a buckle, or other mechanism for connecting the first and second flaps 540, 550.

By connecting the first flap 540 and the second flap 550, the primary panel 505 can be wrapped around the body and closed in the front. Then the wearer can reach between the legs to pull the front panel 510 to the front of the body. As shown, the front panel and the primary panel may be connected via a central portion that forms the crotch of the underwear garment.

As shown in FIG. 5B, the front panel 510 may include connection mechanisms 570 to attach to the primary panel 505. For example, the underside of the front panel 510 may have several small strips of Velcro or other attaching mechanism 570 that connects to the primary panel 505, for example by several similarly placed strips of Velcro 560. The front panel 510 may alternatively be attached to the primary panel 505 via one or more snaps, hooks, or other connecting mechanisms.

The underwear garment may be designed with any of a variety of fabrics and types of materials, in different colors and prints and elastic waistbands of different colors may be provided. Any of the described embodiments may be manufactured with any known material, including for example elastic, cotton, or polyester.

According to one aspect of an embodiment, the underwear garments described herein may be manufactured with a spandex or otherwise stretchy elastic material, creating a compression garment that provides a slimming effect, and is easy to put on in the style of the embodiments described herein. Then if the primary panel, including the side flaps, of an underwear garment are made of an elastic material, when the connection mechanisms are fully fastened, the underwear garment may be have a slimming effect on the wearer. The front panel may additionally be made of an elastic material to create the slimming effect. Any of the described embodiments may be manufactured with a spandex material as described to create a compression garment.

According to one aspect of an embodiment, an underwear garment may have multiple fasteners or connection mechanisms to connect the side flaps and/or to connect the front flap to the primary flap. Then the wearer may connect the flaps or panels using one of the multiple connectors, each connector creating a different waist or leg size, and the adjustable underwear garment may be resized as appropriate. Any of the described embodiments may have multiple fasteners or connection mechanisms creating an adjustable garment. For example, an elastic, compression version of any of the described designs may have multiple different fasteners to connect the side flaps, creating an adjustable garment. Other materials may also be used in an adjustable underwear garment, for example, cotton, polyester, or other material. According to an embodiment, an adjustable underwear garment may be designed to be one size to “fit all”.

According to one aspect of an embodiment, the hem lines at the leg of the underwear garment are flattened, for example, to provide a more comfortable garment for individuals that remain seated or laying down for extended periods of time.

Although multiple different connection mechanisms are described herein, it will be understood that any known connector or fastener may be used.

FIGS. 1 through 4 illustrate example embodiments of the underwear garment. However, additional designs are contemplated. For example, a boxer short version may be created wherein the front panel and the primary panel create a loose short. Then the side flaps may be positioned such that the front panel is connected to the primary panel either in front of the side panels, or behind the side panels. Additionally, a boxer brief style may be similarly contemplated. The boxer style underwear garment may be unisex, or designed specifically for men or women. Any of the provided styles may be adjusted in terms of hip cut, position of the waist, length of a leg component, etc. Other implementations also may be used.

While the invention has been described in detail above with reference to some embodiments, variations within the scope and spirit of the invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, the invention should be considered as limited only by the scope of the appended claims 

We claim:
 1. An underwear garment comprising: a primary panel to form a back for the underwear garment and having a first flap and a second flap, wherein the primary panel is connected to a front panel to form a crotch of the underwear garment; a first connection mechanism to connect the first flap and the second flap to form a waistband and a partial front for the underwear garment; a second connection mechanism to connect the front panel to the primary panel via a plurality of connection elements on each of the front panel and the primary panel; wherein upon connecting the front panel to the primary panel, the front panel forms a front for the underwear garment and a portion of the front panel and a portion of the primary panel overlap.
 2. The underwear garment of claim 1, wherein the front panel has a plurality of connection elements on the outside and the primary panel has a plurality of connection elements on the inside and upon connecting the front panel and the primary panel via the connection elements, the front panel is partially covered by the primary panel.
 3. The underwear garment of claim 1, wherein the primary panel has a plurality of connection elements on the outside and the front panel has a plurality of connection elements on the inside and upon connecting the front panel and the primary panel via the connection elements, the primary panel is partially covered by the primary panel.
 4. The underwear garment of claim 1, wherein the underwear garment forms a women's bikini.
 5. The underwear garment of claim 1, wherein the underwear garment forms a women's brief.
 6. The underwear garment of claim 1, wherein the underwear garment forms a men's brief.
 7. The underwear garment of claim 1, wherein the underwear garment forms a men's boxer.
 8. The underwear garment of claim 1, wherein the crotch is padded.
 9. The underwear garment of claim 1, wherein the crotch has a space for a removable pad.
 10. The underwear garment of claim 1, wherein the first connection mechanism is selected from a group comprising a snap, a clasp, a hook, and a piece of Velcro.
 11. The underwear garment of claim 1, wherein the second connection mechanism is selected from a group comprising a snap, a clasp, a hook, and a piece of Velcro.
 12. The underwear garment of claim 1, wherein the first connection mechanism and the second connection mechanism are Velcro.
 13. The underwear garment of claim 1, wherein the connection mechanisms are fully engaged, the connection elements of the second connection mechanism are disguised with one or more decorative elements.
 14. The underwear garment of claim 1, wherein the underwear garment is made of an elastic material to create a compression garment.
 15. The underwear garment of claim 1, wherein the first connection mechanism is adjustable to provide for multiple waist sizes.
 16. The underwear garment of claim 1, wherein the second connection mechanism is adjustable to provide for multiple leg sizes.
 17. The underwear garment of claim 1, wherein the second connection mechanism is adjustable to provide for multiple abdomen sizes. 